SOC 2 Type 1
A SOC 2 audit report that evaluates whether an organization's security controls are suitably designed at a specific point in time. Type 1 provides a snapshot of control design without testing whether controls operate effectively over a period.
A SOC 2 Type 1 report assesses the design of an organization's controls against the Trust Services Criteria at a specific date. The auditor reviews policies, procedures, and system configurations to determine whether the controls, as designed, would meet the selected Trust Services Criteria if they were operating as intended.
Type 1 reports are commonly used as a stepping stone toward Type 2. They are faster to achieve — typically requiring 1 to 3 months of preparation — and can unblock enterprise sales deals while the organization builds a track record for Type 2. Many startups pursue Type 1 first because it demonstrates commitment to security without requiring a lengthy observation period.
However, Type 1 has limitations. Because it only evaluates control design at a point in time, it does not provide assurance that controls have been consistently operating effectively. Sophisticated enterprise buyers and security teams typically prefer Type 2 reports. Organizations should view Type 1 as a milestone on the path to Type 2, not as the final destination.
Related frameworks
Related terms
Audit Trail
A chronological record of system activities that provides documentary evidence of the sequence of events — including who accessed what, when, and what actions were taken. Audit trails are essential for security monitoring, incident investigation, and compliance evidence.
Control Objective
A statement describing what a specific security control is intended to achieve. Control objectives define the desired outcome — such as preventing unauthorized access or ensuring data integrity — while allowing organizations flexibility in how they implement the control to meet that objective.
SOC 2 Type 2
A SOC 2 audit report that evaluates whether an organization's security controls are both suitably designed and operating effectively over a defined observation period, typically 3 to 12 months. Type 2 is the gold standard for third-party assurance in the US market.
Trust Services Criteria
The five principles defined by the AICPA that form the basis for SOC 2 audits: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Organizations select which criteria to include in their SOC 2 scope based on their services and customer requirements.
Assess your compliance posture
Run a free self-assessment for ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, NIS2, or Tech DD and see exactly where you stand.
Start free assessment